This leaves few quality receivers on the market. Most of the receivers remaining on the market are either injury-prone, unproven youngsters or aging veterans.

Early Doucet could capably fill the slot receiver role for Denver. Only 26, Doucet could sign a multi-year contract with Denver that wouldn't risk age as a factor in later seasons. With the market having been picked apart by teams looking for receivers, Doucet likely has little leverage for a high value contract.

The only alternatives to signing Doucet would be to draft a receiver with the intent of starting in the slot or instead taking a risk on a veteran receiver like Braylon Edwards or Jerricho Cotchery. Both played sparingly in 2011 with little to show for the season.

Taking a pass on Doucet could be a major mistake for Denver. The Broncos have only two starters in Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker on the roster and desperately need to add a receiver if Tim Tebow is to succeed as a passer in 2012.

If Denver is looking for a receiver to take over the slot receiver role through free agency, the only plausible option left to them is Early Doucet.

UPDATE: With the pending addition of quarterback Peyton Manning, Denver will be looking for an additional receiver possibly even more adamantly than before with Tim Tebow under center.